Question

Answer

The effects of loud environmental noise and loud music playback on the ear are similar. According to various studies, permanent hearing loss may occur for prolonged exposures over 85 decibels (85 dB).

Decibel level reference:

However, it is not only the loudness (measured in dB) that matters, but also the duration – the longer the exposure to the loudness, the greater is the damage:

Loudness

Maximum hearing period a day

85 dB

8 hours

88 dB

4 hours

91 dB

2 hours

94 dB

1 hour

97 dB

30 minutes

100 dB

15 minutes

103 dB

7 minutes

106 dB

4 minutes

115 dB

30 seconds

*Maximum hearing period is only a reference. Seek medical advice if you have any doubt.

A notice ‘Long hour and high volume damage hearing’ will be displayed when the volume of this MP3 player attains 80dB-85dB (you can take this Decibel level as reference of a medium truck passing by). This notice is to comply with a regulation in the European Union for protecting your hearing safety (EN 60950-1). It is not suggested to adjust beyond this volume level because long exposure to this volume level may damage your hearing. If you really need to increase the volume level beyond this level (80-85dB), shorten the hearing period to protect your hearing.